US Army establishes autonomous command amid broader Western drone expansion
Western armed forces are rapidly expanding autonomous capabilities, highlighted by the establishment of the US Army's FASCOM and new drone initiatives in the US and UK.
Western military services are advancing autonomous and uncrewed capabilities across multiple operational domains. The U.S. Army has established the U.S. Army Futures and Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM) by redesignating its Futures and Concepts Command. The move aims to integrate robotics and uncrewed aerial systems at every echelon while introducing dedicated military specialties.
At sea, the U.S. Navy is evaluating General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian for persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance with the 7th Fleet. Concurrently, the UK Royal Navy has initiated preliminary market engagement for the Type 93 extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle and the AUKUS Signature Payload Programme.
In defense industry developments, Heaviside Industries unveiled Tyr at the AUSA 2026 exhibition, a new multiwarhead loitering munition designed for an increasingly competitive market.
Sources: Defense News, Breaking Defense, Shephard Media, UK Defence Journal, Global Defence Corp.
Sources
- Shephard Media — AUSA 2026: New multiwarhead loitering munition enters increasingly competitive market
- UK Defence Journal — Britain calls in industry for fleet of drone submarines
- Global Defence Corp — US Navy Considers MQ-9B SeaGuardian for Maritime ISR Missions.
- Defense News — US Army to stand up command for unmanned and autonomous warfare
- Breaking Defense — LaNeve ‘redesignates’ Army’s Futures and Concepts Command as new FASCOM autonomy command
Earlier coverage
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCUS military advances autonomous drone integration across land and maritime domains